Apple made some big changes to Safari with its new iOS 15 software update. The default iPhone browser not only received a much-needed visual overhaul, but it also got some significant new features. If you're a Mac user, you're probably familiar with Safari extensions already. Well, extensions are finally making their way to the iPhone and iPad.
You can now install third-party extensions to enhance your web browsing experience in Safari. Apple has made a dedicated store to help you find new extensions, too.
Here, we'll look at how you can install and use Safari extensions on your iPhone running iOS 15.
What Are Safari Extensions?
Safari extensions are like little apps that only work inside the web browser on your iPhone. Extensions can help you unlock new features that aren't natively available in Safari. For example, you can use extensions to block content, get rid of ads, enhance security, autofill passwords, and so on.
How to Install Safari Extensions on an iPhone
As we mentioned earlier, extensions are a feature Apple introduced alongside iOS 15. So, you need to make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to find and install extensions for Safari. Unlike Safari for Mac, you cannot access the extensions store directly from the browser. Instead, you need to follow these steps:
- Head over to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- In this menu, scroll down and select Safari, located along with the list of apps.
- Here, you'll find Extensions under the General category. Tap on it to continue.
- Since you don't have any extensions installed just yet, you'll see an empty page. Simply tap on More Extensions.
- Doing this will launch the Safari Extensions Store on your iPhone.
- Browse and find the extension you like. Tap Get to install it on your device.
Your extension will install just like any other standalone iOS app. But don't worry, we'll guide you on how to use it properly. As well as this method, you can also find and install Safari extensions using the search field in the App Store.
How to Use Safari Extensions on an iPhone
Any Safari extensions you just installed on your iPhone are disabled by default. You'll need to manually enable each extension from the Safari Extensions menu before you can use it within the browser. Also, depending on the extension you installed, you may need to launch the extension app to configure its settings.
Let's take a look at this process, step by step:
- Head back to Settings > Safari > Extensions.
- Here, you'll see the extension you just installed. Simply use the toggle to enable it.
- Now, open the extension's app from your Home screen or App Library and configure the in-app settings according to your needs.
- Next, open Safari on your device and visit the webpage where you want to use the extension.
- Tap the share icon to bring up the iOS share sheet.
- Scroll down to the bottom to find the extension's options, if available.
At the moment, the Safari Extensions Store is full of content blockers, and some of these extensions don't display menu items in the iOS share sheet. In such cases, you can use the standalone app for each extension to configure it to your liking.
Safari Extensions Open a World of Possibilities
We've waited years for extension support in Safari on the iPhone. While you only have a limited selection of extensions on the App Store at the moment, this is the beginning of something big.
As more developers hop on board to expand the library, you'll have many more extensions to choose from. Just look at the Safari Extensions Store on the Mac, for example.